Everton boss Frank Lampard has admitted Nathan Patterson's injury while on Scotland duty is a 'blow for us all'.
The former Rangers full-back was stretchered off in the first of three Nations League games after picking up a first half injury against Ukraine. The Dark Blues would go on to win that clash 3-0 before another Hampden success over the Republic of Ireland. They then claimed a share of the spoils in Poland in the return with Ukraine to top the section and gain promotion to League A with the bonus of a guaranteed play-off and No2 seed for the Euro 2024 qualifying draw.
Despite the huge positives from the international week, losing Patterson was a major down point for both club and country with the youngster playing every single minute of Everton's English Premier League campaign to date. Ex-Chelsea and England star Lampard admits he wants the defender back and firing as soon as possible with the five-week return period a positive from what they first thought. He also heaped praise on Seamus Coleman for being Patterson's biggest fan.
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He said: "It's a blow for us all because he's been fantastic, there's no doubt. His level of performance has been great, his consistency and his drive, bringing energy into the team.
"One thing I will say is that Seamus (Coleman) has been the biggest supporter of that.
"He's such an amazing team-mate in terms of advising Pats and helping him, supporting him when he's been playing well.
"So I've got no worries about Seamus coming into the team. I'm always hopeful we get minutes out of Seamus because he has a big influence on the pitch.
"Not in this situation, we want Pats back as soon as possible. I think the sort of four, five-week estimate is probably a bit positive from where our first thoughts were.
"So on that side of it, let's hope we can get him back quickly."
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